New figures 'do not fully reflect the scale of the homelessness crisis'

A tent belonging to a homeless person on Abbey Street last December. Picture: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie

The number of homeless people in Ireland has dropped slightly, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing.

A total of 14,864 people were in emergency accommodation during the last full week of December across Ireland, including 4,510 children in 2,092 families. 

The latest figures indicated a slight decrease of 335 people, compared to the record 15,199 who were in emergency accommodation the previous month.

But according to homelessness charities, the seasonal fall in December “does not portray reality”.

Executive director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, Ber Grogan, said: “These figures do not fully reflect the scale of the homelessness crisis, as it is common to see a temporary dip in numbers in December. Many people experiencing homelessness find short-term respite with family or friends over the Christmas period, but this does not change their long-term reality.” 

Mr Grogan said they unfortunately expect to see the numbers rise again in the next few months.

“With a new Government and Minister for Housing in place, now is the time for decisive action. If they are serious about tackling homelessness, they must introduce a dedicated prevention strategy. 

"We cannot allow more families and individuals to fall into homelessness while so many remain stuck in emergency accommodation. We need real solutions — from prevention measures to long-term housing support — to help people exit homelessness permanently."

The figures do not include those seeking refuge in domestic violence shelters, or asylum seekers who have not yet secured accommodation. 

According to the figures, 10,686 people were in emergency accommodation in Dublin. In Cork, 591 adults accessed emergency accommodation.

Focus Ireland chief executive Pat Dennigan called on new Housing Minister James Browne to turn this one-off decline into a new momentum.

“We are encouraged that the new Programme for Government includes a commitment to reducing and working towards ending homelessness by 2030,” Mr Dennigan added.

“There is now an opportunity to develop detailed plans so this can be achieved.

“As a first step, new minister James Brown and the local authorities must deliver on the programme’s commitment to ensure that long-term homeless families benefit from the increased supply of social housing.”

Sinn Féin’s Eoin Ó Broin said homelessness has risen 12% in the last 12 months, while child homelessness is up 14% compared with last year.

He said last month’s figures dropped “as expected”.

“The December homeless report published today shows marginal decreases in adult and child homelessness compared to November,” he said in a statement.

“This seasonal drop in homeless numbers has occurred for the last number of years as family and friends do everything they can to keep loved ones from spending Christmas in emergency accommodation.

“However, compared to December 2023 homelessness is up 12%, while child homelessness is up 14% in the last year. This shows that the crisis is getting worse.”